Strawberry-Balsamic Cocktail

Happy Hour: Strawberry-Balsamic Crush

Whenever I come across strawberries that are about to go bad — the mushy ones with lots of wrinkles and a deep red color — I set them aside and use them in a cocktail. Many recipes involve muddling the strawberries to extract the juices, so it doesn't really matter if they aren't the prettiest of berries. For adventurous home mixologists, I highly recommend you make use of blemished berries with this recipe for a strawberry-balsamic crush. It's an interesting drink with sweet, tart, and savory notes hitting the palate, one after another. Don't skip the freshly-ground black pepper garnish; it takes this amazing concoction to a whole new level. Seriously, this is a must make for home bartenders; it's a superb libation! Get the recipe after the break.